National studfarm

Established in 1825, the Lamballe Haras National (National Stud), was built on 6 hectares and with several national stallions chosen for their blood lines and their performance.  The famous Breton Poster features strongly.

The Breton Poster featured in the transport and artillery sections in the First World War.  Its success was a credit to the Lamballe Haras National, the cradle of the breed, a brilliant development at the turn of the century: up to 400 stallions have been stabled here.  This great era has bequeathed to the Haras a remarkable heritage not only in its buildings, but also in its traditions and living know-how. On this 6-hectare domain, where species are nurtured and flourish, ancient history and modern life go hand in hand.  The 12 stables, more than 100 years old, the forge, the grand manege, have known generations of men and of horses.  The saddlery of honour, and the collection of equestrian carriages, are befitting of the history of the site.  The insemination station, and the recently-renovated manege, keep the history of the horse alive.  The donation of a complete saddlery from a château lets us experience today the role of the horse in the history of civilisation.  Equestrian sculptures and paintings take their place several times a year in the arts stables, taking their turn alongside educational workshops.  This site, which was the largest Haras National in France between the two world wars, is today a great “House of Horses” with the combined commitment of the regional bodies in a “Syndicat Mixte” (Joint Association), the first of its genre in France, its mission to maximise the potential of the site and to cater for the needs of all interested public and professional groups.  Educational visits for schools, guided tours, shows, art exhibitions, bring the discovery of horses to everyone.  A special “Show Stable” is dedicated to an equestrian artist.  Riders, carriage drivers, breeders, gather at the Haras and in the equestrian park adjacent, for courses, competitions, and meetings.

GUIDED TOURS

Lasting around an hour and a half, the guided tour lets you discover history in the daily life of the site.  Two exceptional saddleries, a beautiful collection of equestrian carriages, and the buildings built through the ages, give you a snapshot of an era where the horse was the “strength of man”.  A tour of the stallion stables and of the working Haras are different views of the world of horses.  Working horses, sports horses, race horses, ponies, donkeys…so many different worlds passionately lived, can be discovered with your guide.  After your tour, you’ll never see horses in the same way again!

Visits to site only by guided tour.  From September to June: every day at 3pm.  In July and August: every day, several tours leaving each day between 11am and 5pm from outside the front of the Haras and the Tourist Office.

Different times available for groups, on reservation.